Fundamentally believe that for many things, there is a method .
The expert ( experienced, master, talented ) uses the method consciously or tacitly . The person at the beginner or intermediate level is awed by the knowledge in initial stages and later strives to get to the method .
The person who cracks the algo rises above the extra-ordinary . He will be on a firm ground
to tackle the future challenges. To become a better person , I have this eternal quest for " algo" and which is a key driver for my writings.
To demonstrate the power of algo, consider the below example.
If x = 3 to power of 22 and y = 6 to power of 65, what is the remainder when xy is divided by 10?
To a layman, the above question might be tough inspite of having good maths background.
Whereas, the trained mind can observe and generalize a pattern .
Solution :
6 to power of anything always ends in 6.
3 to power of anything has a pattern - the numbers end in 3, 9, 7, 1,
So multiplication of units in both x and y result in a pattern - the unit digits of results will be cyclic - 8, 4, 2, 6 .
With the knowledge of basic maths , but more importantly figuring out the Pattern, this problem can be solved in a minute.
Consider the repertoire of skills required in different categories
- Intelligence tests
2. Creative
As per Edward De Bono , the Guru of creative thinking, we could add more to the list -
lateral thinking, out of box thinking , innovation etc.
3. Professional
- Planning , communication, execution , analysis, time management, inter personal skills etc.
One could summarise the above in two words - Analysis and Execution.
Here the word analysis is a on a broader level like understanding , but also spans the concepts of synthesis , innovation etc. What about spiritual , emotional intelligence, value system?
The word "analysis " falls short .
Hence we could say - Mind and Action.
Most of the things are being done by our mind and by our body .
By "Action" , we could include things of physical aspects - eye-hand coordination, reflexes, verbal communication, fitness , sports intelligence etc.
With this simplification(synthesis or summation) algo , there are only 2 things to consider .
Having said that, let's explore how the different algos can be used from now on in both mind and action domains.
For now , a small snippet in mind domain.
Consider the challenges faced by a Java Architect and a Retail (Deli/grocery) shop keeper .
Both of them have to address space limitations and seek optimizations.
One is concerned about the design of how to get large Objects to realization only when they are needed. ( Uses Lazy instantiation).
The other orders the stock just before the inventory levels are down or when there is a near future demand ( festival etc).
The algo used both by experienced techie and by the average Joe is " get it when you need it or else it's redundant and causes overhead " .
There are many such similarities in business and in technology . The underlying algos remain same .
And that's interesting ..
